Simplify to Scale Show

Crista Grasso
  • 5.0 (60)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Simplify to Scale is a show dedicated to helping business owners scale a high-impact and high-profit business they love without all of the complexity and chaos that can keep them trapped in the day-to-day. Hosted by Crista Grasso, a scaling strategist and operations alchemist, she brings decades of scaling experience to share what actually works and what's just hype. If you are in the messy middle of trying to scale your business, step into visionary leadership so your business can run without you, and build sustainable success at a sustainable pace, be sure to subscribe and tune in for expert insights each week. Formerly the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, the Simplify to Scale Show with Crista Grasso is THE show for founders and their right-hand leaders who are done with one-size-fits-all scaling advice and overnight success promises and instead want proven and practical strategies that will help simplify operations, build scalable systems, develop and lead a high performing team, amplify profits, and scale smarter not harder.

  1. 6D AGO

    E254 | Letting Go to Fuel Business Growth and Transformation

    Have you been holding on to practices, offers, or even identities that no longer serve you? What if letting go could be the key to growing your business? Are you ready to embrace transformation on your entrepreneurial journey? In this episode, I share heartfelt stories and reflections about the power of endings and the beauty of stepping into a new era, both in business and personal life. I explore how true transformation requires not just strategic tools and planning, but also an honest look at what needs to end to make space for new beginnings. Through personal experiences of letting go, like moving on from old roles, environments, and even long-standing relationships, I highlight how fully embracing closure can set the stage for genuine growth and fulfillment. I invite you to acknowledge the impact of open tabs in your lives and make room for evolution, both as a leader and as a person. Ready to step boldly into your next chapter? Reflect on what you might need to close or release as you look towards the new year. Grab your favorite journal, listen in, and join me in this meaningful conversation about making space for new opportunities. Let this episode be your gentle nudge to welcome transformation   In this episode, I discuss: How Mindset Can Derail Even the Best Strategy Why Rebirth Requires Letting Go Identity Evolution The Importance of Closure   If you want guidance on mapping out the plan that will bring your vision to reality in 2026, doors are now open to our Propel '26 1-day virtual planning retreat. Visit https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/retreat to learn more.  Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    19 min

  2. NOV 4

    E253| Transform Operational Roles from a Cost Center to a Profit Driver

    How can you transform your operations team from a cost center to a powerful profit driver?  Have you ever wondered how your team structure impacts your growth and sustainability? In this episode, I share my insights on shifting the mindset and approach to operational roles within small businesses. I explain why every team member should be directly or strategically connected to growth, retention, or increased profitability, and introduce the Lean Dream Team Pyramid as a game-changer for building a sustainable business. I emphasize the importance of hiring at the strategic execution level rather than the execution level, especially as AI and automation take on more routine tasks. I break down how to identify and eliminate waste, streamline processes, and optimize what's already working. Wanting every operational role to contribute directly to profit, I deliver practical tips for turning routine activities into measurable business outcomes. If you're ready to rethink your operations and want your team to be real drivers of profit, don't miss this episode. Give it a listen, take notes, and consider tuning in twice to catch all the valuable strategies I share and discover how your business can achieve sustainable and scalable growth! In this episode I discuss: Operations from Cost Center to Profit Center Lean Dream Team Pyramid Hire for Strategic Execution, Not Just Execution How to Eliminate Waste to Boost Profitability if you want support upleveling yourself or your current team to think like profit drivers, we are now accepting applications for the January cohort of our certification programs for strategic operators. Visit https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/certification to learn more.   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    31 min

  3. OCT 28

    E252 | Building a Million Dollar Business with Julie Chenell

    Are you striving to hit your first million in business but worried about burnout? Curious how to stand out and scale sustainably, even in today's crowded digital space? Wondering what high-leverage actions will actually move the needle? In this episode of the Simplify to Scale show, I sit down with Julie Chenell to unpack real-life strategies for building a million-dollar brand without losing your momentum or sanity. Julie is a digital marketing expert and coach, helping companies use growth hacking strategies and marketing tools to navigate the fast-paced & ever-changing landscape of digital marketing. She shares her refreshingly honest perspective on focusing relentlessly on solving specific, urgent, and painful problems, and what customers truly seek. You will get actionable advice on narrowing down to one high-impact activity, the value of relentless focus, and how to avoid burning out by ignoring distractions and tying every task back to revenue. Julie also gives a sneak peek into her new book, Million Dollar Grit, highlighting the lessons that helped her scale and stay resilient, through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Inspired to simplify and scale your own business? Listen to the entire episode and don't miss out on new episodes each week filled with wisdom that will help you grow smarter and thrive. "You have to make the pond small enough that you can be the biggest fish." -Julie Chenell In this episode, we discuss: Solving Urgent, Specific, and Painful Problems The Power of Personalization and Transformation Relentless Focus Prevents Burnout Becoming a Big Fish in a Small Pond Positioning and Valuing Your Skills   Learn more and connect with Julie: Website: https://juliechenell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliechenellofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliecchenell Million Dollar Grit Book: https://milliondollargrit.com/    Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    23 min

  4. OCT 21

    E251 | What To Do When Your Goals Feel Out of Reach Before They Even Begin

    What does it really take to set a vision for the new year? How do you make confident decisions for your business in Q4? Are you ready to align your goals with what truly matters to you? In this episode, I share insights on visionary planning and strategic action, inspired by major shifts in my own life and business. From reflecting deeply on your goals to navigating transitions, I reveal why it's important to create a supportive environment and team as you enter the new year. You'll hear how distinguishing between possibility-focused conversations and practicality can protect your vision and energize your team, setting the stage for achieving your big goals. If this episode gave you some helpful ideas, subscribe, share a review, and explore the resources at strategicopsinstitute.com to scale smarter, not harder. I'm excited to help you make next year your most fulfilling and successful yet! In this episode, I discuss: The Importance of Visionary Planning Life and Business Transitions Bridging Possibility with Strategic Action Recognizing Feelings of Misalignment   Join our SOL Collective community and get complimentary access to the one-day virtual Strategic Planning Retreat that I'm hosting this December: strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    20 min

  5. OCT 14

    E250 | What Forward-Thinking Businesses Are Doing to Stand Out in 2026

    Are you wondering how to truly differentiate your business and amplify your results as you scale? Curious about how to blend strategic leadership with AI innovation and authentic positioning? In this episode, I share the three most important focus areas for scaling your business in the upcoming year: strategic leadership, AI enablement, and signature positioning. I walk you through how each area impacts your growth and the growth of your clients, uncovering why so many businesses sound the same and how to make your services unmistakably unique. I also share how to integrate AI thoughtfully without losing your distinctive voice, and why strategy, not just tactics, will set you apart as the guide your clients need most. If you're ready to simplify your approach, power up your positioning, and deliver incredible value, this is the episode for you! In this episode, I discuss: Three Critical Focus Areas for Scaling Importance of Signature Positioning Strategic Leadership Over Tactics Practical AI Enablement SOL Collective   Plus, For the first time this year, I am opening up access to my SOL Collective community. Join us before our next AI Implementation Lab on November 4th (there are only 12 spots available): strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    29 min

  6. OCT 7

    E249 | How Framing Improves Team Performance and Reduces Frustration

    Ever feel like your team isn't on the same page even though you're all working toward the same outcome? Are you wondering what you could implement to ensure your team feels both heard and empowered, especially during high-pressure projects or brainstorming sessions?   In this episode of the Simplify to Scale show, I am joined by Jessica Maine, to chat about different thinking styles and how they shape team dynamics, especially as the year wraps up and planning ramps up. We share experiences from our own businesses, explore the differences between abstract and linear thought processes, and talk about ways these styles impact communication and productivity. Recognizing how team members approach problems can make a real difference in reaching your goals together and avoiding unnecessary frustration. We discuss practical scenarios where mismatched thinking styles led to friction and offer tips on framing conversations to bridge that gap. From brainstorming to execution, finding a balance between creative and step-by-step approaches can help teams stay aligned and feel valued in their roles. Sharing a few funny stories and insights, we highlight how even a little clarification at the start can prevent bigger misunderstandings down the road. If you enjoyed these insights and found them helpful for your team or business, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Please leave us a review and share what resonated with you or what topics you'd like to explore next. Your feedback inspires us and helps shape future episodes. Thanks for tuning in and see you again next week!   In this episode we discuss: Different Thinking Styles in Teams Abstract vs. Linear Thinkers Bridging Communication Gaps Bridging Communication Gaps Setting Intentional Framing for Conversations Best Practices for High-Performing Teams   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    25 min

  7. SEP 30

    E248 | Self-Publishing a Book for Business Growth with Natalie Walstein

    How can business owners recognize the subtle (or not-so-subtle) signs that it's time for a major business pivot, and what steps can they take to embrace the transition with confidence? How do self-publishing and traditional publishing differently an author's ability to share their authentic voice and vision? In this inspiring episode, I welcome Natalie Walstein, founder of Divine Flow Publishing Co., to explore how authors and entrepreneurs can leverage self-publishing to expand their business, impact, and message. She is also a published author of 3 books and counting and the host of the Divine Flow podcast. Natalie shares her personal journey, from designing magazines to becoming an astrologer to publishing her own books, and recounts how unexpected shifts and client requests guided her to launch a spiritual publishing company. Together, we highlight the importance of listening to your intuition when making business pivots and embracing opportunities as they appear. You will get an inside look at the self-publishing process, including when to consider this route versus traditional publishing, how a book can act as a powerful tool for business growth, and what it really looks like to maintain creative control and connect authentically with your audience. Natalie also shares valuable insights on finding the right publishing partner, marketing a new book from the earliest stages, and keeping launch momentum going well after release day. If you've been feeling the nudge to write a book or are in the middle of planning your author journey, this episode offers practical wisdom and encouragement to take the next step. Share this episode with a friend who dreams of publishing, and visit Divine Flow Publishing Co. to explore the resources and support Natalie's team offers "A book can be the most powerful tool for bringing people into your business and your world." -         Natalie Walstein   In this episode, we discuss ·   Leveraging a Book to Grow Your Business Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing Natalie's Journey and The Power of Pivots When to Market Your Book Using a Book as a Business Tool     Links to connect with Natalie: The new website is https://bookmagic.co The new Instagram is https://instagram.com/bookmagic.co The new podcast is https://bookmagic.co/podcast   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    32 min

  8. SEP 23

    E247 | Service-Based Offer Suites That Actually Work in Today's Market

    In what ways can you refine your positioning to clearly differentiate yourself from competitors and naturally "pull" clients toward your business? What's one premium "add-on" or VIP experience you could offer to elevate your client engagements and boost your profits? In this episode of Simplify to Scale Show, I walk you through the evolving landscape for service-based businesses and share the best ways to structure, package, and position your offers for the coming year.  We talk through the four main types of offers every thriving business should consider: your signature offer, gateway offers, expansion offers, and continuity offers. I offer actionable ideas on how to use gateway offers to build trust in a discerning market and how expansion and continuity offers can help your clients get even more value from working with you. I share real examples from my own experience and provide plenty of tips for making your services more attractive and accessible to potential clients. From building trust with assessments to offering sprints and add-on services, and making sure you have a plan for continuing to support your clients, you'll come away with a fresh perspective on how to set up your service offerings for ongoing growth. If you're ready to make your business stand out and want more tailored support, I invite you to check out the Soul Collective community or join my Scale Smarter, Not Harder workshop. Make sure to subscribe to Simplify to Scale so you never miss an episode!   In this episode, I discuss: Adapting Service Offers Four Core Offer Types The Importance of Gateway Offers Strategic Positioning Client Value & Retention   To join join our SOL Collective community for established service-based business owners and leaders who are ready to strengthen their strategic leadership, visit: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective    If you're interested in learning more about our certifications for Strategy and Operations Leaders, then you can Join us for our upcoming info session: http://strategicopsinstitute.com/infosession    Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.

    36 min
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5
out of 5
60 Ratings

About

Simplify to Scale is a show dedicated to helping business owners scale a high-impact and high-profit business they love without all of the complexity and chaos that can keep them trapped in the day-to-day. Hosted by Crista Grasso, a scaling strategist and operations alchemist, she brings decades of scaling experience to share what actually works and what's just hype. If you are in the messy middle of trying to scale your business, step into visionary leadership so your business can run without you, and build sustainable success at a sustainable pace, be sure to subscribe and tune in for expert insights each week. Formerly the Lean Out Your Business Podcast, the Simplify to Scale Show with Crista Grasso is THE show for founders and their right-hand leaders who are done with one-size-fits-all scaling advice and overnight success promises and instead want proven and practical strategies that will help simplify operations, build scalable systems, develop and lead a high performing team, amplify profits, and scale smarter not harder.

Information

  • Creator
    Crista Grasso
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    254
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 -2025 Crista Grasso LLC | All Rights Reserved | LeanOutMethod.com
  • Show Website
    Simplify to Scale Show